You can stay in a luxury resort and still be environmentally friendly

A commitment to saving the planet does not mean giving up luxury accommodations. Here are our picks for the best green resorts with a dedication to sustainable, organic and environmental practices.

Virtuoso's Best of the Best

LeFay Resort and Spa Lago di Garda in Gargnano Italy is a green resort that earned Virtuoso’s best of the best award for 2012 for most socially responsible hotel. Designed to fit in with the surrounds, The Lefay Resort used only natural building materials, maximum water recovery, and renewable energy. The spa has a complete wellness program and the restaurants use only fresh and seasonal local produce in an effort to reduce their carbon footprint.

Supporting the Seas

The Inn by the Sea at Cape Elizabeth, Maine combines luxury and sustainability, minimizing ecological impacts to the surrounding environment. Indigenous plants and gardens sustain the local wildlife, recycled glass and plastic furnish the room amenities, solar panels heat the pool, and the Inn has funded habitat restoration for monarch butterflies and native bunnies. There is no need for exotic foods when you can choose from sustainable lobster and local produce at the Inn’s Sea Glass restaurant.

Tropical Awareness

The Round Hill Hotel & Villas, in Montego Bay, Jamaica, utilizes its own pesticide free garden to supply much of the produce used in the resort’s restaurants. In addition, the resort relies on natural ventilation and ceiling fans to reduce dependence on energy-draining air conditioning. Round Hill Resort is committed to reducing waste to provide you with an unspoiled view of the former pineapple plantation amidst the warm tropical Caribbean Sea.

Zero Carbon Footprint

The Wolgan Valley Resort and Spa in Lithgow, Australia uses world-leading conservation measures and is the first carboNZero certified resort. Tour the nature reserve with a trained field guide to spot Kangaroos and Wallabies. Enjoy organic dishes comprised of regional specialties. The 40 freestanding luxury suites were built around the landscape so that no trees were cut during construction.

Environmental for over 35 years

Inkaterra’s motto is ecological research and conservation through tourism. The Inkaterra Machu Picchu Pueblo Hotel offers a 100% carbon neutral stay in the sanctuary of Machu Picchu. With over 35 years of sustainable tourism initiatives, the resort focuses on the Peruvian nature, customs, and culture while educating visitors. The hotel is calm, yet opulent mixing natural architecture with luxury amenities.

Minimal local impact

Earning a Global Tourism Business Award for sustainability, don’t miss the Sanctuary for the Senses at Banyan Tree in Phuket, Thailand. Ecological and culture sensitive, enjoy the simple yet luxurious accommodations decorated with indigenous plants requiring little use of herbicides or water. Enjoy a romantic dinner for two as you drift along the waters aboard resort’s traditional longtail boat.

Never have to choose between living green and luxury accommodations as these resorts have both. For more on vacationing in a green resort, click here to chat now with a Luxe Travel Advisor or contact the Luxe Travel team at 1-866-365-8747 or concierge@luxetravel.com.

What do you look for when booking a hotel? Is the environment an issue?